Maersk kicks off construction of stadium roof

Marking a milestone in the construction of the Green Point Stadium ahead of the 2010 Fifa World Cup, last Friday saw the arrival in Table Bay harbour aboard Lars Maersk of the first consignment that will eventually make up the roof of the stadium. It’s the first of 65 deliveries expected over the next few weeks – the stadium is scheduled for completion in December 2009. The R430 million contract was awarded to Birdair Pfeifer, a joint venture between US company Birdair and German company Pfeifer, which will be a subcontractor to the main building contractor Murray & Roberts/ WBHO. According to reports, the roof will resemble a large flat bicycle wheel with the rim resting on 72 raking columns. The stadium will host nine world cup matches, including a semi-final.